Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2695

Introduced
4/16/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

One of the notable amendments in this bill is related to the location of civil trials. It allows civil trials, including jury trials, to be held in counties contiguous to the county with proper jurisdiction, accommodating judicial efficiencies and case management. If parties agree, such a move can occur, which could lead to expedited legal processes and reduced case backlogs in certain jurisdictions. Furthermore, this flexibility may help streamline trial procedures, benefiting both the courts and court users.

Summary

House File 2695 is a legislative bill aimed at appropriating funds for the judicial branch of Iowa for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The bill outlines the allocation of resources from the state general fund, focused primarily on the salaries of various judicial officials, including justices, judges, magistrates, and court personnel. It ensures that financial provisions are made for the receipt and disbursement of child support payments, maintenance of court facilities, and miscellaneous judicial purposes.

Contention

A point of contention arises from the provisions regarding unpaid leave and travel reimbursement for judicial officers. The bill stipulates that judicial officers can be placed on unpaid leave during any temporary layoffs affecting court employees, which could be perceived as a reduction in compensation during fiscally challenging times. Also, it allows judicial officers to waive travel reimbursements for official business outside their county of residence, which might raise concerns about transparency and accountability in travel expenses. These provisions may lead to debates about the adequacy of oversight in judicial spending and the welfare of judicial employees.

Companion Bills

IA SSB3203

Related A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund and membership of district judicial nominating commissions, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2436.)

IA SF2436

Similar To A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including by modifying the judicial retirement fund, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3203.) Effective date: 06/21/2024, 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB340

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including juror compensation and judicial officer salaries, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 1048.)

IA HF1048

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including judicial officer salaries and interpreter or translator fees, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 340.)

IA SF648

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch including judicial officer salaries and interpreter or translator fees, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1233.) Effective date: 06/20/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2769

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch. (Formerly HSB 776.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

IA SSB1225

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.

IA SSB1233

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.(See SF 648.)

IA SSB3185

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.(See SF 2486.)

IA HSB776

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.(See HF 2769.)

IA SF2486

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.(Formerly SSB 3185.)

IA HSB180

A bill for an act relating to judicial officer salaries, and including effective date provisions.

Similar Bills

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TX HB5663

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KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

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LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

VA HB29

Chaptered